Everything You Need to Know About Flower Girls

Cute as cute can be, but there are some do’s and don't’s. Here's your guide

If you’ve ever attended a real wedding, you’ll know that the entrance of the flower girl is always an adorable moment, especially when it doesn’t go quite to plan. Be it walking down the aisle, dancing with the bridesmaids, or making silly faces during family portraits – flower girls can be trusted to bring plenty of cuteness on the big day.

If you’re planning on having a flower girl, or flower girls at your wedding, there are several details you should consider. This guide will help you choose your flower girl, understand what they do, and get you up to speed on flower girl etiquette. 

The History of Flower Girls

Flower girls and page boys became a popular part of the bridal entourage back in Victorian times. But their inclusion in the wedding party is a custom that can be traced back to ancient Rome. When flower girls would carry bunches of wheat and various herbs, which would then be sprinkled on the ground for the couple to walk across. This wedding tradition symbolized good luck and fertility.

In Elizabethan times, scattering rose petals in the path of the bride became popular. And actually, the petals would often be scattered all the way from the bride’s home to the church. It was in the Victorian era that the role of the flower girl began to look similar to what we know today. In this period, they wore simple white dresses and would carry a basket of fresh flowers or a floral hoop (which symbolized never-ending love).

A Guide to the Flower Girl

Who can be a flower girl?

Flower girls can be nieces, cousins, or even your best friend's daughter. And these days, even your dog is more than a suitable candidate.

How old should they be?

Normally, they range from 3 to 8 years old. However, you can, of course, go with someone younger as long as you're confident in their ability to get down the aisle.

Can I have more than one?

If you have a large family or multiple nieces, it’s a nice idea to try to include everyone, and avoid anyone feeling left out. If you've decided to add several little attendants to your bridal party, there are many duties they'd no doubt love to take care of. You could ask one flower girl to walk with you and carry your train, while another helps escort a beloved pet down the aisle, for example. They can hold hands with each other as they walk down the aisle or opt for a ride in a cart, with the eldest flower girl pulling the littlest ones.

What should a flower girl wear?

Traditionally, a flower girl will wear a dress similar to that of the bride. But you can also have her dress mirror that of the bridesmaids, whether that's incorporating a similar print or the same colour.

What do flower girls do?

Their main job is to charm the pants off the guests! Some are very shy and walk timidly down the aisle, while others take their responsibilities seriously, meticulously placing each petal in the 'perfect' spot for the bride. Mostly, they're there to set a cute tone for the bride to walk down the aisle.

Do they have to throw petals?

Your flower girl could hold colourful balloons, a bottle of bubbles to blow as they walk down the aisle, or throw some other type of environmentally healthy confetti. The possibilities are endless.

We don’t want a flower girl…

There are plenty of fun ways to include children in your day, and make them feel a special, without needing to have a traditional flower girl. For example, you could ask them to greet guests as they arrive at the ceremony, or have them hand out the order of service. You may even want them to show the guests which side they should sit on. Any confident readers could also be asked to read a short poem or verse. 

Should we get them a thank-you gift?

It's a nice idea, especially if you're getting the rest of your wedding party a little something. It doesn't have to be that expensive, a toy or a personalized gift box would be perfect. Talk to their parents and they’ll be able to recommend something appropriate.

If you’re currently planning what your flower girls should wear, talk to our bridal department, and they’ll share our wonderful range of dresses.